Company of Heroes 2 is the follow-up to one of the most critically-acclaimed strategy games ever made. Sticking to World War II, returning studio Relic Entertainment has decided to focus on the overlooked Eastern Front for the sequel, using technical advancements for more dynamic fog of war and snow to help bring the brutal conflict to life.

While the invasion of Normandy is perhaps the most famous battle from the conflict, it had just the 23rd-highest death rate of World War II. 13 out of the highest 15 all happened in one theatre of war - the Eastern Front - one that was critical in the downfall of the German forces, and ultimately led to the death of one in seven of all Soviets. It was the largest conflict in human history.

New armies, new playstyles

The playable German and Russian armies will embody their real-world tactics in their playstyles. The Soviets are an aggravated force that are more driven and stubborn, while the German forces are more technologically advanced and faster. Campaign story events will also reflect these armies too; Russian units will become spooked and retreat, leading them to become mown down by their own men for their cowardice.

The new Essence 3.0 engine offers a number of advancements, but the most tantalising of which is snow. The blankets of white stuff isn't just a texture for units to move over, but a persistent obstacle they will have to wade through, slowing down mobility. Tracks left behind by troop and vehicle movements will also be permanent, allowing players to track enemy units easily.

There's also TrueSight, an advancement of one of strategy's staples, fog of war. Instead of being able to view the immediate circle around your units, TrueSight will dynamically obscure the view beyond trees and buildings, even if they're right next to you, paving the way for surprise attacks by other units.

Another new feature is more dynamic cover. Positioned behind a wall, troops can now vault over, speeding up their movement through the map and paving the way for new tactics. Any enemy troops on the other side can also be swiftly despatched following a vault with close-range weapons.

Despite the various enhancements and additions, Relic Entertainment is keen to retain the fundamentals of what made the original one of the best games in its field, such as rewarding smart tactics and generating the player's own narrative from close encounters in combat

Although it's still a year from release, and that Commander Abilities and multiplayer elements have yet to be detailed, Company of Heroes 2 is well on its way to deliver the skyscraper high standards set by the original.